Washington, DC – The Alliance for Aviation Across America today released the following statement in response to President Trump’s FY2019 budget request, released today, which includes a provision to privatize the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system:
“It is unfortunate that President Trump’s budget request includes a proposal to privatize our air traffic control system. This effort, pushed by the big commercial airline lobby, would directly hurt thousands of businesses, farms, and small towns and rural communities across the country.
‘‘These communities depend on access to our aviation system for business activity, medical care, crop and power line maintenance, disaster relief, law enforcement medical care and a host of other activities. Yet, this proposal would allow the airlines to focus resources and funding toward only the few biggest hubs they care about most, and ultimately, it does nothing to improve delays or enhance modernization.
‘‘Most importantly, it would take away Congressional oversight over our system, which ensures that the system operates in the public’s best interest. That is why it has been widely opposed by consumer groups, businesses, rural and agricultural organizations, local elected officials and Mayors across our country.
“We urge Congress to retain oversight of the national air traffic control system to ensure that it operates in the best interest of the public and communities of all sizes across our country.’‘